designing a backyard space that naturally draws you outdoors
There’s something about outdoor spaces that changes the way a home feels. They create room to slow down, to gather, and to actually enjoy the everyday moments that usually get rushed. Whether it’s a quiet morning outside or hosting friends in the evening, a well-designed backyard becomes an extension of how you live.
For this project with Walmart, I approached the space the same way I would an interior. With intention. The goal was to create a backyard that feels like a natural extension of the home. Elevated, but still livable. Thoughtful, but easy. Instead of designing one single space, I focused on creating zones that allow the backyard to move effortlessly throughout the day, supporting everything from quiet moments to hosting and family time.
pool side retreat
The pool area is designed to feel relaxed and effortless, almost like a quiet, hotel-inspired escape. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, settle in, and stay a while.
Comfortable loungers and shaded umbrellas create the foundation, while side tables and small details make everything feel complete and within reach. Towels, drink stations, and everyday essentials are incorporated in a way that feels organized without being overly structured. The goal is to make the space feel just as functional as it is visually calm.
Insert link: Pool loungers, umbrellas, outdoor side tables, pool towels, outdoor storage baskets, cooler or beverage tub, drinkware
[garden area image]
charming garden area
This area brings in a sense of life and movement through greenery, planters, and small moments of color. It’s designed to feel both functional and inviting, blending the idea of a working garden with a place to pause.
Layered planters and simple gardening tools are styled in a way that feels intentional but still approachable. Nothing feels overly arranged, just considered. Adding a small seating moment allows this space to shift from something purely practical to somewhere you can actually sit and enjoy.
Insert link: Planters, gardening tools, watering can, potting accessories, outdoor bench or seating
[center of outdoor dining image]
outdoor living & dining
This is the social center of the backyard. The space that naturally brings people together. Seating areas are arranged to encourage conversation, while the dining setup is designed to feel elevated without being formal. Rugs, lighting, and greenery help define the space while keeping it cohesive with the rest of the backyard. Everything here is meant to support hosting in a way that feels easy. Pieces that function well but still blend into the overall design.
Insert link: Outdoor sofa, accent chairs, outdoor rug, dining table, dining chairs, outdoor lighting, cooler, serving station or bar cart, dinnerware, trays
[family activity image]
family activity space
This area is designed with flexibility in mind, making space for movement, play, and everyday activity while still feeling connected to the rest of the backyard. It’s important that this zone doesn’t feel separate or overly busy. Instead, it’s integrated into the overall design through soft textures, neutral tones, and simple structure. Seating and shade elements help ground the space, making it comfortable for both kids and adults while allowing everything to coexist naturally.
Insert link: Outdoor play items, shade solutions, outdoor rug, flexible seating, storage solutions
When the space is experienced as a whole, it feels layered, cohesive, and easy to move through. Each area serves a purpose, but nothing feels disconnected. The goal was never to over design it, but to create a backyard that supports real life. Somewhere you can spend time without thinking about it too much. Somewhere that naturally draws you outside. With the right foundation and a few intentional layers, outdoor spaces can feel just as considered as any interior. Welcoming, functional, and designed to be lived in.